Oppo BDP-103 Preview

Just when I claimed that Oppo 93 have lost its lustre and value in the Blu-ray Disc player world, Oppo releases a new, better valued OppoBDP-103 and discontinued its BDP-93 model.

The BDP-103 is the latest consumer-level Universal Blu-ray player from Oppo. This is a player that will play back just about every disc that you’ve bought even if the format is dead and this includes Video-CD, and Philips’ MPEG-1 video format (no HD-DVD and CD-Video playback, though). This means SACD and DVD-A aficionados can still enjoy their legacy discs without having to resort to a multiple players. The BDP-103 has also really made some huge gains in the video department. While the last player was 3D capable, the BDP-103 sports Dual-core SoC and MarvellQDEO processors with 4K upscaling. On top of that, the BDP-103 can convert your 2D contents to 3D so that you get the maximum use out of your 3D display.

Networking is always important and Oppo has included not only wired but wireless streaming. This allows for App control plus access to pre-loaded Netflix, VUDU, Film Fresh, Pandora, and YouTube. The Netflix streaming allows for the highest possible quality with 1080p video support and most importantly, the long awaited 5.1 audio and subtitles to help the hearing impaired.

The front sports not only a USB input but an HDMI input that doubles as an MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) input. This makes connecting your portable devices much easier. You can even connect set-top boxes or network streaming devices to the BDP-103 and take advantage of the Oppo‘s superior video processors. Flip the player around and you’ll find both more and less than you’d expect. The OppoBDP-103 includes dual HDMI outputs and a second HDMI input. There is an Ethernet input for a wired connection. Coaxial and Optical digital audio outputs are on board as are 7.1, RCA analogue audio outputs. These outputs can be configured for 7.1, 5.1, or 2.0 outputs.

Two additional USB inputs allows for a multitude of connected devices (we could imagine at least five possibilities) making the OppoBDP-103 not only a top of the line Blu-ray player but a standalone video processor. RS-232 and IR connections make it possible for custom installers and power users to easily integrate the OppoBDP-103 into their universal remote system.
What is missing on the back of the OppoBDP-103 is any sort of analogue video output. There is a composite video output labelled “DIAG” but this is just to use the on-screen menu when there is no media playback for diagnostic purposes. This is not Oppo‘s fault but completely the AACS restriction which stipulates that “No Licensed Player that passes Decrypted AACS Content to analog video outputs may be manufactured or sold by Adopter after December 31, 2013.” Oppo, instead of having to deal with defeating the analogue outputs in a few more months, has just omitted those video outputs.

ConclusionSo what do you get from the OppoBDP-103 that you can’t get from any other player and makes it so gosh-darn (relatively) cheap? Well, allow me to summarize. For $500 you will get the following:
A 3D universal Blu-ray player with Dual HDMI outputs (the closest competition sells for $300)

Included outboard WiFi Dongle (the closest competition sells the dongle alone for $100)

TWO HDMI inputs which makes this player also an HDMI switcher (another $100 value)

A full-fledged media player (the cheapest not-so-full-fledged media player costs $100)

A standalone video processor than can do decent 2D to 3D conversion (a $200 value)

A standalone video upscaler that can take any input and upscale them to 2K to 4K (up to you) which is within itself is a $500 value)

Playback of PAL and NTSC discs, 1080/50p and 1080/60 discs (usually can be done only by buying another player that is PAL and 1080/50p compatible which costs another – at least — $200)

Can easily modified to be made Multi-Region and Multi-Zone without voiding the warranty.

Therefore, for $500, you’ll easily get a $1,500 value of multiple gadgetries for only $500 in a single box.

What’s not to love? I’m putting my pre-order already. I suggests you to do the same.